Reina: We still love Rafa . . . and Torres

Pepe Reina has reassured Rafael Benitez he will be cheered and not jeered on his return to Liverpool.

Chelsea’s interim boss will be back at Anfield as a coach for the first time since his six-year spell in charge of Liverpool ended in 2010.

The Spaniard has been abused by Chelsea fans since his appointment but is still loved at Anfield, having led Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005 and the FA Cup a year later.

The two clubs have had a fierce rivalry over the past decade and Liverpool supporters turned on Fernando Torres after he moved to Stamford Bridge for £50million in 2011.

But Reina, who Benitez signed him from Villarreal eight years ago, does not expect his former coach to get the same treatment and even feels Torres will be welcomed back this time.

The keeper said: “We loved him, everybody knows what a great manager he is. He is showing that at Chelsea and showed it with Liverpool. The people love him and the appreciation for Rafa will be there.

“But there are three points available and Chelsea are big opponents — we have to aim to win those three points.

“The crowd will be right behind us as they always are. It’s going to be nice to hear the opinions on Fernando and Rafa. The people have love and respect for them. Hopefully they will be more than welcome.

“It is not the first time [Liverpool are facing Torres] but especially in the beginning it was weird because we were so close. But that’s football, you are leaving friends along the way.”

Reina expects Chelsea to be tough to beat and added on Liverpool TV: “It can be an advantage [for Benitez to coach against his former players] but it can work against you as well because of the same reason.

“He is going to be well prepared, Chelsea are going to be right up for it from the first whistle but so will we. It is a massive game at home and it is a match you want to be involved in as a player.

“It’s always special when we face Chelsea. It’s nice just because you see the blue and red, it looks good to walk beside them.

“A few years back we were almost playing three, four, five times against them every season. Every game was huge and it hasn’t changed.”